Canada is set to make a significant change to its International Mobility Program (IMP) by introducing mandatory English or French language testing for some open work permit holders starting in 2026.
The proposed requirement, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), will most likely apply to spousal open work permit (SOWP) applicants. The goal is to improve workforce integration, curb exploitation (such as fraudulent marriages), and strengthen Canada’s labour market with skilled, communicative workers.
What is the IMP?
The IMP allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), helping to address labour shortages and attract global talent. In 2024 alone, over 100,000 open work permits were issued under this program.
Some streams are expected to remain exempt from testing, such as:
- International Experience Canada (IEC) – Youth mobility focus
- Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP) –Applicants often meet PR language requirements already
- Intra-Company Transferees– Company-specific roles
- Significant Benefit categories – Cultural or economic contributions
- Free Trade Agreement Professionals – Protected under trade deals
- Charitable or Religious Workers – Nature of work takes priority
What Will Change?
Applicants in certain streams—likely SOWP—will need to submit valid results from IRCC-approved language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, TCF Canada) covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Scores will align with Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC), potentially CLB 5 for general roles and CLB 7 for skilled jobs.
Test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.
Why This Matters
IRCC sees this as a step toward:
- Preventing fraud – discouraging contract marriages
- Enhancing job success – better workplace communication and safety
- Supporting economic growth – skilled workers in high-demand sectors
- Facilitating PR – aligning with Express Entry language standards
- Promoting fairness – standardized, objective assessments
Impact on Applicants, Families & Employers
Applicants will have better job prospects and protection from exploitation.
Families will benefit from stronger financial stability and smoother integration.
Employers will gain from workers who adapt quickly and require less training.
However, challenges may include limited testing access in remote areas, preparation time, and uncertainty about which streams will be affected until IRCC finalizes details.
Implementation Timeline
- Spring/Summer 2025: Draft regulations in the Canada Gazette (Part I) with a 30-day public comment period.
- 2026–2027: Final rules published and requirement enforced.
Preparing Now
- Begin English or French classes aiming for CLB 5–7.
- Take practice tests.
- Locate in-person testing centres.
- Monitor IRCC updates on affected streams.
This upcoming requirement is part of Canada’s broader strategy to ensure temporary residents make meaningful contributions while protecting the integrity of the immigration system.